Retrieval and repositioning system for prosthetic heart valve

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to the design and function of a retrieval device for a prosthetic heart valve for re-positioning or removal of a previously implanted valve prosthesis from a beating heart without extracorporeal circulation using a transcatheter retrieval system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/154,816, filed Jan. 14, 2014, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/808,458, filed Apr. 4, 2013, the contents of each of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a novel device and method for retrieval of a transcatheter heart valve replacement or for capture and repositioning of a deployed transcatheter heart valve replacement.

Background of the Invention

Valvular heart disease and specifically aortic and mitral valve disease is a significant health issue in the US. Annually approximately 90,000 valve replacements are conducted in the US. Traditional valve replacement surgery, the orthotopic replacement of a heart valve, is an “open heart” surgical procedure. Briefly, the procedure necessitates a surgical opening of the thorax, initiation of extra-corporeal circulation with a heart-lung machine, stopping and opening the heart, excision and replacement of the diseased valve, and re-starting of the heart. While valve replacement surgery typically carries a 1-4% mortality risk in otherwise healthy persons, a significantly higher morbidity is associated to the procedure largely due to the necessity for extra-corporeal circulation. Further, open heart surgery is often poorly tolerated in elderly patients.

Thus if the extra-corporeal component of the procedure could be eliminated, morbidities and cost of valve replacement therapies would be significantly reduced.

While replacement of the aortic valve in a transcatheter manner is the subject of intense investigation, lesser attention has been focused on the mitral valve. This is in part reflective of the greater level of complexity associated to the native mitral valve apparatus and thus a greater level of difficulty with regards to inserting and anchoring the replacement prosthesis.

Several designs for catheter-deployed (transcatheter) aortic valve replacement are under various stages of development. The Edwards SAPIEN® transcatheter heart valve is currently undergoing clinical trial in patients with calcific aortic valve disease who are considered high-risk for conventional open-heart valve surgery. This valve is deployable via a retrograde transarterial (transfemoral) approach or an antegrade transapical (transventricular) approach. A key aspect of the Edwards SAPIEN® and other transcatheter aortic valve replacement designs is their dependence on lateral fixation (e.g. tines) that engages the valve tissues as the primary anchoring mechanism. Such a design basically relies on circumferential friction around the valve housing or stent to prevent dislodgement during the cardiac cycle. This anchoring mechanism is facilitated by, and may somewhat depend on, a calcified aortic valve annulus. This design also requires that the valve housing or stent have a certain degree of rigidity.

At least one transcatheter mitral valve design is currently in development. The Endovalve uses a folding tripod-like design that delivers a tri-leaflet bioprosthetic valve. It is designed to be deployed from a minimally invasive transatrial approach, and could eventually be adapted to a transvenous atrial septotomy delivery. This design uses “proprietary gripping features” designed to engage the valve annulus and leaflets tissues. Thus the anchoring mechanism of this device is essentially equivalent to that used by transcatheter aortic valve replacement designs.

Various problems continue to exist in this field, including problems with how to retrieve a collapsible heart valve prosthetic from the native valve once the prosthetic has reached the end of its useful life. For example, a prosthetic heart valve may be delivered and secured percutaneously or intravenously using a catheter and endoscope or similar device, but the process of disengaging anchoring mechanisms and collapsing the prosthetic for retrieval is often more difficult to accomplish than is the delivery. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved device and method for retrieval when such valves need to be replaced.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all aspects nor delineate the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

In one embodiment, there is provided a prosthetic heart valve retrieval and repositioning device, comprising: a dilator sheath, said dilator sheath having a lumen therethrough and a dilator base mounted on a proximal side of said dilator sheath, said dilator base having a sheath lock for operatively engaging the dilator sheath for opening and closing the lumen of said dilator sheath, said dilator base having a slidably removable inner catheter disposed within the lumen, said inner catheter having a tapered tip at a distal end and an inner catheter base at a proximal end wherein said inner catheter base is adjacent and proximal to the dilator base, said dilator base having a guide rod aperture for engaging a guide rod that is connected to a guide rod handle mount that is attached to a handle apparatus, said inner catheter base having a traveller strap affixed on a proximal side and said traveller strap extending proximally to engage a tensioning unit on the handle apparatus, said handle apparatus having an actuator and a spring operatively connected to the traveller strap, wherein when the actuator is engaged the traveller strap is pulled proximally through the tensioning unit and the inner catheter base slides along guide rod towards the handle apparatus.

In another preferred embodiment, there is provided a prosthetic heart valve retrieval and removal device, comprising: a dilator sheath having a lumen therethrough and a dilator base mounted on a proximal side of said dilator sheath, said dilator base having a sheath lock for operatively engaging the dilator sheath for opening and closing the lumen of said dilator sheath, said dilator base having a slidably removable intermediate beveled catheter disposed within the lumen, said intermediate beveled catheter having an intermediate base mounted on a proximal side of said intermediate beveled catheter, said intermediate beveled catheter having a lumen therethrough and having inner catheter having a tapered tip at a distal end disposed within the intermediate beveled catheter, said inner catheter having an inner catheter base mounted on a proximal side of said inner catheter, wherein said inner catheter base is adjacent and proximal to the intermediate base and said intermediate base is adjacent and proximal to the dilator base, said dilator base having a guide rod aperture for engaging a guide rod that is connected to a guide rod handle mount that is attached to a handle apparatus, said inner catheter base having a traveller strap affixed on a proximal side and said traveller strap extending proximally to engage a tensioning unit on the handle apparatus, said handle apparatus having an actuator and a spring, wherein when the actuator is engaged the traveller strap is pulled proximally through the tensioning unit and the inner catheter base slides along guide rod towards the handle apparatus.

In another preferred embodiment, there is provided a prosthetic heart valve retrieval device wherein the tapered tip is bullet-shaped, cone-shaped, hooded, or otherwise shaped to guide the valve tether into the lumen of the dilator sheath.

In another preferred embodiment, there is provided wherein the dilator has a radio band affixed thereto.

In another preferred embodiment, there is provided a method of using the retrieval device for capturing a tethered expandable prosthetic heart valve to retrieve and re-position said valve, comprising the steps of: (i) inserting said retrieval and repositioning device into a body cavity of a patient containing a tethered and expandable prosthetic heart valve into a patient, (ii) capturing and retracting the tether into the retrieval device, and (iii) repositioning the tethered expandable prosthetic heart valve.

In another preferred embodiment, the method of retrieving and re-positioning also includes the step of (iv) removing the tethered and expandable heart valve from the patient by collapsing the expandable prosthetic heart valve apparatus into the dilator sheath catheter and retracting the dilator sheath.

In another preferred embodiment, there is provided a method of using the retrieval device for capturing a tethered expandable prosthetic heart valve to retrieve and remove said valve, comprising the steps of: (i) inserting said retrieval and removal device into a body cavity of a patient containing a tethered and expandable prosthetic heart valve into a patient, and (ii) capturing and retracting the tethered expandable prosthetic heart valve into the retrieval and removal device.

In another preferred embodiment, there is provided wherein the step of inserting the retrieval device by directly accessing the heart through the intercostal space, or using an apical approach to enter a heart ventricle.

In another preferred embodiment, there is provided wherein the step of inserting the retrieval device by directly accessing the heart through a thoracotomy, sternotomy, or minimally-invasive thoracic, thorascopic, or trans-diaphragmatic approach to enter the left ventricle.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the one or more aspects comprise the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of the one or more aspects. These features are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of various aspects may be employed, and this description is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The attached figures provide enabling and non-limiting example of certain features of the present invention. The figures are not intended to be limiting in any way to the description that is provided in the text.

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a handle and support/pusher rod apparatus for the prosthetic valve retrieval system provided herein.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a double-sleeved dilator & catheter assembly with tensioning/traveller strap and two-part retaining collar and gated bore collar.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a partially disassembled double-sleeved dilator & catheter assembly with outer sheath having distance/location markings and gated bore collar and the tapered inner catheter disposed within the outer sheath which has tensioning/traveller strap and retaining collar operatively associated therewith.

FIG. 4 is a side detailed view of two-part retaining collar and gated bore collar showing how support rod fits into the key slot of the retaining collar and the double-sleeved retrieval and repositioning catheter extends from gated bore collar.

FIG. 5 is a side detailed view of the handle and actuator with support/pusher rod and traveller strap disposed within the strap tensioning jaw.

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the tapered conical catheter tip having capture wire extending therethrough and capturing the tether of a deployed prosthetic valve in a demonstration model of a body cavity such as a ventricle.

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the double-sleeved retrieval and repositioning catheter that has been partially advanced into the ventricle or cavity of the demonstration model of a ventricle towards the valve/device to be retrieved while the tether slack is reeled in or gathered.

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of the double-sleeved retrieval and repositioning catheter that has been advanced into the ventricle or cavity of a demonstration model of a ventricle towards the valve/device to be retrieved while the tether slack is reeled in or gathered.

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of the double-sleeved retrieval and repositioning catheter that has been advanced into the ventricle or cavity of the demonstration model of a ventricle towards the valve/device to be retrieved while the tether slack is reeled in or gathered and the tapered tip engages the strut bundle of the valve.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the retaining collar and gated-bore collar with the captured tether exiting the proximal end of the stylet and tether screw in an open position prior to adjustment to secure the tether.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the retaining collar and gated-bore collar with the tether screw fully adjusted into a locked or closed position for securing the tether.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the support rod/pusher rod after the tether has been secured and shows distance markers.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the double-sleeved catheter that has been advanced through the ventricle or cavity of the demonstration model of a ventricle beyond the location of the valve annulus of the demonstration model. FIG. 13 shows the tapered tip of the inner catheter engaging the strut bundle of the valve and expelling the deployed valve from the annulus into an atrial location of the demonstration model.

FIG. 14 is a perspective detail view of the double-sleeved retrieval and repositioning catheter that has been advanced through the ventricle or cavity of the demonstration model of a ventricle beyond the location of the valve annulus of the demonstration model. FIG. 14 shows the tapered tip of the inner catheter engaging the strut bundle of the valve and expelling the deployed valve from the annulus into an atrium location of the demonstration model.

FIG. 15 is a detail view of the retaining collar with the tether screw fully adjusted into a locked or closed position for securing the tether and the marker on the support rod illustrating the initial pre-retrieval distance that actuating the traveller strap has accomplished during the initial capture and securing of the valve to be retrieved.

FIG. 16 is a detail view of the traveller strap entering the tensioning jaw.

FIG. 17 is a detail view of the misaligned valve prior to being re-positioned into a better alignment, e.g. A2 conforming segment of the atrial cuff on the valve aligned with A2 location of native annulus.

FIG. 18 is a detail view of the valve after re-positioning and redeployment into the valve annulus of the demonstration model framework.

FIG. 19 is a side view of the retrieved and re-positioned valve mounted in the tethered valve deployment demonstration model, e.g. left ventricle, right ventricle, body cavity, etc. and shows the struts, strut bundle, and tether extending across the cavity and out through the body wall access port.

FIG. 20 is a side view of a three-part triple-sheathed retrieval and removal catheter having a flared outer dilator sheath with an intermediate beveled catheter disposed within and an inner catheter having a tapered tip disposed within the intermediate beveled catheter.

FIG. 21 is a detail view of the two outermost catheters of the triple-sheathed retrieval and removal catheter and shows a flared outer dilator sheath with an intermediate beveled catheter disposed within.

FIG. 22 is a detail view of the assembled retrieval and removal catheter apparatus and shows support rod extending from the retaining collar across a collar stabilizer to the gated bore collar, traveller strap attached to the retaining collar and sliding gate mounted on the gated-bore collar, with the triple-sheathed catheter attached to a distal end of the gated-bore collar and stylet and inner catheter extending through the axis of the entire apparatus.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the triple-sheathed catheter that has been advanced through the ventricle or cavity of the demonstration model of a ventricle beyond the location of the valve annulus of the demonstration model. FIG. 23 shows the tapered tip of the inner catheter engaging the strut bundle of the valve just prior to expelling the deployed valve from the annulus into an atrial location of the demonstration model.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the triple-sheathed removal catheter and shows the valve partially withdrawn in the flared outer dilator sheath after the inner catheter has taken control of the strut bundle using the tapered tip and the intermediate beveled catheter has controllably collapsed and compressed the valve struts.

FIG. 25 is a side perspective view of the valve being further drawn into the protective flared end of the flared outer dilator sheath. FIG. 25 also shows the catheter extending across the lumen of the ventricle of the model with the gated-bore collar outside of the body wall access port (proximal side) and the valve being removed from inside an atrial space of the demonstration model.

FIG. 26 is a side perspective view of the valve being further drawn into the protective flared end of the flared outer dilator sheath. FIG. 26 also shows radio-marker band at the tip of the outer catheter.

FIG. 27 is a side perspective view and shows the valve entirely removed and withdrawn into the outer catheter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various aspects are now described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more aspects. It may be evident, however, that such aspect(s) may be practiced without these specific details.

Functions of the Retrieval System

The present invention provides in one embodiment a retrieval system for a previously deployed prosthetic heart valve wherein a valve tether is attached to the valve or to a collapsible stent containing the valve and the apparatus provided herein provides a method for capturing the tether of said valve, dislodging the deployed valve from the valve annulus, and then either re-positioning the valve and redeploying it, or removing the valve entirely.

The invention also allows for the capture of one or more retrieval tethers by a catheter-based extraction device, and for the re-positioning or removing the entire deployed valve apparatus via the retrieval device using an outpatient catheterization procedure without requiring major surgery.

Access & Deployment of the Retrieval Device

In one aspect of the retrieval, the catheter retrieval system accesses the heart and pericardial space by intercostal delivery. In this case, the pusher unit and catheters may be short, e.g. 12-38 cm.

In another retrieval approach, the catheter retrieval system retrieves the prosthetic heart valve using either an antegrade or retrograde approach using a flexible catheter system, and without requiring the rigid tube system commonly used. In another embodiment, the catheter system accesses the heart via a trans-septal approach. In either case, where a long distance must be travelled the pusher unit and associated catheters and equipment is contemplated as being within the range of 60-150 cm long.

Prosthetic Valve Devices

The prosthetic heart valve contemplated for retrieval using the retrieval device comprises a self-expanding tubular stent having a cuff at one end and tether loops for attaching tether(s) at the other end, and disposed within the tubular stent is a leaflet assembly that contains the valve leaflets, the valve leaflets being formed from stabilized tissue or other suitable biological or synthetic material. In one embodiment, the leaflet assembly comprises a wire form where a formed wire structure is used in conjunction with stabilized tissue to create a leaflet support structure which can have anywhere from 1, 2, 3 or 4 leaflets, or valve cusps disposed therein. In another embodiment, the leaflet assembly is wireless and uses only the stabilized tissue and stent body to provide the leaflet support structure, without using wire, and which can also have anywhere from 1, 2, 3 or 4 leaflets, or valve cusps disposed therein.

The tether anchors the valve to an anchoring location within the ventricle. Preferably, the location is the apex of the heart and uses an epicardial attachment pad. However, other tether attachment locations may be used in the deployment of the valve and also therefore, for the retrieval.

The cuff of the valve functions to counter the forces that act to displace the prosthesis toward/into the ventricle (i.e., atrial pressure and flow-generated shear stress) during ventricular filling. Accordingly, the stent containing the valve is positioned and pulled between the ventricular tether and the atrial cuff.

Cuff Structure

The cuff is a substantially flat plate that projects beyond the diameter of the tubular stent to form a rim or border. As used herein, the term cuff, flange, collar, bonnet, apron, or skirting are considered to be functionally equivalent. When the tubular stent is pulled through the mitral valve aperture, the mitral annulus, by the tether loops in the direction of the left ventricle, the cuff acts as a collar to stop the tubular stent from traveling any further through the mitral valve aperture. The entire prosthetic valve is held by longitudinal forces between the cuff which is seated in the left atrium and mitral annulus, and the ventricular tethers attached to the left ventricle.

The cuff is formed from a stiff, flexible shape-memory material such as the nickel-titanium alloy material Nitinol® wire that is covered by stabilized tissue or other suitable biocompatible or synthetic material. In one embodiment, the cuff wire form is constructed from independent loops of wire that create lobes or segments extending axially around the circumference of the bend or seam where the cuff transitions to the tubular stent (in an integral cuff) or where the cuff is attached to the stent (where they are separate, but joined components).

Once covered by stabilized tissue or material, the loops provide the cuff with the ability to travel up and down, to articulate, along the longitudinal axis that runs through the center of the tubular stent. In other words, the individual spindles or loops can independently move up and down, and can spring back to their original position due to the relative stiffness of the wire. The tissue or material that covers the cuff wire has a certain modulus of elasticity such that, when attached to the wire of the cuff, such tissue or material allows the wire spindles to move.

The cuff counteracts the longitudinal ventricular pressure during systole against the prosthesis in the direction of the left ventricle to keep the valve from being displaced or slipping into the ventricle. The tether(s) counteracts this force and is used to maintain the valve position and withstand the ventricular force during ventricular contraction or systole. Accordingly, the entire valve must be positioned in a proper position and cannot be radially misplaced during the deployment process. After a period of time, changes in the geometry of the heart and/or fibrous adhesion between prosthesis and surrounding cardiac tissues may assist or replace the function of the ventricular tethers in resisting longitudinal forces on the valve prosthesis during ventricular contraction, so the initial deployment must be accurate.

Stent Structure

Preferably, superelastic metal wire, such as Nitinol® wire, is also used for the stent, for the inner wire-based leaflet assembly that is disposed within the stent, and for the cuff wire form. Such stents are available from any number of commercial manufacturers, such as Pulse Systems. Laser cut stents are preferably made from Nickel-Titanium (Nitinol®), but also without limitation made from stainless steel, cobalt chromium, titanium, and other functionally equivalent metals and alloys, or Pulse Systems braided stent that is shape-set by heat treating on a fixture or mandrel.

One key aspect of the stent design is that it be compressible and when released have the stated property that it return to its original (uncompressed) shape. This requirement limits the potential material selections to metals and plastics that have shape memory properties. With regards to metals, Nitinol® has been found to be especially useful since it can be processed to be austenitic, martensitic or super elastic. Martensitic and super elastic alloys can be processed to demonstrate the required compression features.

Laser Cut Stent

One possible construction of the stent envisions the laser cutting of a thin, isodiametric Nitinol® tube. The laser cuts form regular cutouts in the thin Nitinol tube. Secondarily the tube is placed on a mold of the desired shape, heated to the martensitic temperature and quenched. The treatment of the stent in this manner will form a stent or stent/cuff that has shape memory properties and will readily revert to the memory shape at the calibrated temperature.

Leaflet and Inner Wireform

The valve leaflets are held by, or within, a leaflet assembly. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the leaflet assembly comprises a leaflet wire support structure to which the leaflets are attached and the entire leaflet assembly is housed within the stent body. In this embodiment, the assembly is constructed of wire and stabilized tissue to form a suitable platform for attaching the leaflets. In this aspect, the wire and stabilized tissue allow for the leaflet structure to be compressed when the prosthetic valve is compressed within the deployment catheter, and to spring open into the proper functional shape when the prosthetic valve is opened during deployment. In this embodiment, the leaflet assembly may optionally be attached to and housed within a separate cylindrical liner made of stabilized tissue or material, and the liner is then attached to line the interior of the stent body.

In this embodiment, the leaflet wire support structure is constructed to have a collapsible/expandable geometry. In a preferred embodiment, the structure is a single piece of wire. The wireform is, in one embodiment, constructed from a shape memory alloy such as Nitinol®. The structure may optionally be made of a plurality of wires, including between 2 to 10 wires. Further, the geometry of the wire form is without limitation, and may optionally be a series of parabolic inverted collapsible arches to mimic the saddle-like shape of the native annulus when the leaflets are attached. Alternatively, it may optionally be constructed as collapsible concentric rings, or other similar geometric forms that are able to collapse or compress, then expand back to its functional shape. In certain preferred embodiments, there may be 2, 3 or 4 arches. In another embodiment, closed circular or ellipsoid structure designs are contemplated. In another embodiment, the wire form may be an umbrella-type structure, or other similar unfold-and-lock-open designs. A further preferred embodiment utilizes super elastic Nitinol® wire approximately 0.015″ in diameter. In this embodiment, the wire is wound around a shaping fixture in such a manner that 2-3 commissural posts are formed. The fixture containing the wrapped wire is placed in a muffle furnace at a pre-determined temperature to set the shape of the wire form and to impart it's super elastic properties. Secondarily, the loose ends of the wireform are joined with a stainless steel or Nitinol tube and crimped to form a continuous shape. In another preferred embodiment, the commissural posts of the wireform are adjoined at their tips by a circular connecting ring, or halo, whose purpose is to minimize inward deflection of the post(s).

Tether

The tether(s) is attached to the prosthetic heart valve and extend to one or more tissue anchor locations within the heart. In one preferred embodiment, the tether(s) extend downward through the left ventricle, exiting the left ventricle at the apex of the heart to be fastened on the epicardial surface outside of the heart. In another preferred embodiment, the tether is optionally anchored to other tissue locations depending on the particular application of the prosthetic heart valve, such as one or both papillary muscles, septum, and/or ventricular wall.

The tether is made from surgical-grade materials such as biocompatible polymer suture material. Examples of such material include without limitation: ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHWPE); 2-0 exPFTE (polytetrafluoroethylene); or 2-0 polypropylene.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Referring now to the FIGURES, FIGS. 1 and 2 shows one embodiment of a retrieval and repositioning apparatus. FIG. 1 shows handle 110 and support/pusher rod 116 apparatus for the prosthetic valve retrieval system provided herein. The handle 110 operates with actuator 112 and spring 114 in concert with support rod 116 and tensioning strap 122 to provide a reciprocal motion responsive to the operation of the actuator 112. The support rod 116 is fitted in key slot 132 of retaining collar 126. The traveller strap 122 is loaded into tensioning jaw 118 and upon actuating the handle 112 divides the retaining collar 126 from the gated-bore collar 128. Using tether screw 134 on retaining collar 126 to secure a tether from the valve to be retrieved, the reciprocal motion of the strap 122 and the rod 116 operate to pull the tether. FIG. 2 shows detail of a double-sleeved dilator & catheter assembly 120 for retrieval and repositioning with outer dilator sheath 138 having inner catheter disposed therein. Tapered tip 144 is used to abut strut bundle (not shown) secure the deployed tether. Stylet 124 has a lumen therethrough for accepting the tether and locks into retaining collar 126. Gated-bore collar 128 has sliding gate 130 for closing off communication with the ventricle to avoid blood loss. Blind distance markers 146 are labelled on the pusher rod to provide the operator with the relative distance that the pusher rod has been advanced. Since the procedure is a catheter-based, non-surgical procedure, the valve is deployed into the patient's heart using only radiographic visualization. Thus, the blind distance markers avoid advancing the pusher rod 116 too far.

FIG. 3 shows a partially disassembled double-sleeved dilator & catheter assembly 120 with outer sheath 138 having distance/location markings 146 and gated bore collar 128 and the tapered inner catheter 142 disposed within the outer sheath 138 which has tensioning/traveller strap 122 and retaining collar 126 operatively associated therewith. FIG. 3 also shows removable stylet 124, tether screw 134 and gasket 142 on retaining collar/inner catheter base 126. FIG. 3 shows tapered tip 156 at the distal end of inner catheter 140. FIG. 3 shows sliding gate 130 on the gated-bore collar/dilator base 128 and radio band 158 at the distal end of dilator sheath 138.

FIG. 4 shows a two-part retaining collar 126 and gated bore collar 128 showing how support rod 116 fits into the key slot 132 of the retaining collar 126 and the double-sleeved retrieval and repositioning catheter 120 extends from gated bore collar 128. FIG. 4 also shows tether screw 134 on retaining collar for securing the captured tether, as well as rod screw 136 located on the gated-bore collar 128 for securing the position of the rod 116 within the gated-bore collar 128. Stylet 124, distance marker 146 and sliding gate 130 are also shown.

FIG. 5 shows the handle 110 and actuator 112 with support/pusher rod 116 and traveller strap 122 disposed within the strap tensioning jaw 118. Operating the actuator 112 pulls the strap 122 into the tensioning jaw 118 towards the handle 110.

FIG. 6 shows an over-the-wire catheter-based equipment delivery technique and specifically shows the tapered conical catheter tip 156 having capture wire 148 extending therethrough and capturing the tether 150 of a deployed prosthetic valve in a demonstration model 166 of a body cavity such as a ventricle. Demonstration model includes simulated body wall access port 154 anatomically spaced from simulated annulus 170 and shows in cross-section how the retrieval device works in the context of a body cavity.

FIG. 7 shows the double-sleeved retrieval and repositioning catheter 120 that has been partially advanced through the body wall access port 154 and into the ventricle or cavity of the demonstration model 166 of a ventricle towards the valve/device 168 to be retrieved while the tether 150 slack is reeled in or gathered. The dilator outer sheath 138 of catheter 120 establishes a conduit for delivery of the retrieval and repositioning inner catheter 140 (not shown). Sliding gate 130 prevents blood loss down the catheter assembly during cavity access.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show the double-sleeved retrieval and repositioning catheter 120 that has been advanced into the ventricle or cavity of a demonstration model 166 of a ventricle towards the valve/device 168 to be retrieved while the tether 150 slack is reeled in or gathered. FIG. 8 specifically shows how tapered tip 156 is advanced until it abuts the strut bundle 152. The positioning is used to control the release of the deployed valve 168 from the annulus 170.

FIG. 10 shows the retaining collar 126 and gated-bore collar 128 with the captured tether 150 exiting the proximal end of the stylet 124 and tether screw 134 in an open position prior to adjustment to secure the tether 150. FIG. 10 also shows rod 116 disposed with key slot/guide rod aperture 132 and traveller strap 122 extending parallel to the rod towards the handle 110 (not shown). Distance marker 146 is shown on rod 116. Sliding gate 130 is also shown on dilator base/gated-bore collar 128. Collar luer 164 is shown and provides a port for adding saline and/or removing blood or fluids.

FIG. 11 shows the retaining collar 126 and gated-bore collar 128 with the tether screw 134 fully adjusted into a locked or closed position for securing the tether 150. Sliding gate 130 is also shown on dilator base/gated-bore collar 128.

FIG. 12 shows the support rod/pusher rod 116 after the tether 150 exiting stylet 124 has been secured and shows distance markers 146. Tensioning strap/traveller strap 122 is shown parallel to rod 116.

FIG. 13 shows the double-sleeved catheter 120 that has been advanced through the ventricle or cavity of the demonstration model 166 of a ventricle beyond the location of the valve annulus of the demonstration model. FIG. 13 shows the tapered tip 156 of the inner catheter 140 engaging the strut bundle 152 of the valve and expelling the deployed valve 168 from the annulus 170 into an atrial location 172 of the demonstration model 166.

FIG. 14 shows the double-sleeved retrieval and repositioning catheter 120 that has been advanced through the annulus 170 of the ventricle or cavity of the demonstration model 166 of a ventricle beyond the location of the valve annulus 170 of the demonstration model. FIG. 14 shows the tapered tip 156 of the inner catheter 142 engaging the strut bundle 152 of the valve 168 and expelling the deployed valve 168 from the annulus 170 into an atrial space 172 of the demonstration model 166.

FIG. 15 shows the retaining collar 126 with the tether screw 134 fully adjusted into a locked or closed position for securing the tether 150, seen exiting the stylet 124. Marker 146 on the support rod 116 illustrates the initial pre-retrieval distance that actuating the traveller strap 122 has accomplished during the initial capture and securing of the valve to be retrieved. Gasket 142 and key slot/rod aperture 132 are shown on inner catheter base 126.

FIG. 16 shows the traveller strap 122 entering the tensioning jaw 118. Support rod 116 and handle 110 are shown mounted with tensioning jaw 118.

FIG. 17 shows the misaligned valve 168 prior to being re-positioned into a better alignment under control of the dilator assembly 120, e.g. A2 conforming segment of the atrial cuff on the valve aligned with A2 location of native annulus.

FIG. 18 shows the valve 168 after re-positioning and redeployment into the valve annulus of the demonstration model framework 166 while under control of the dilator assembly 120.

FIG. 19 shows the retrieved and re-positioned valve 168 mounted in the tethered valve deployment demonstration model 166, e.g. left ventricle, right ventricle, body cavity, etc. and shows the struts 174, strut bundle 152, and tether 150 extending across the cavity and out through the body wall access port 154.

FIG. 20 shows a three-part triple-sheathed retrieval and removal catheter 258 having a flared outer dilator sheath 260 with an intermediate beveled catheter 240 disposed within and an inner catheter 242 having a tapered tip 256, said inner catheter 242 disposed within the intermediate beveled catheter 240. For removal, in operation the three-part catheter assembly uses the tapered tip 256 to engage and control the valve or device to be removed. The inner catheter 242 is then slightly withdrawn to allow the intermediate beveled catheter 240 to engage the struts 174 of the valve. Then, the intermediate beveled catheter 240 is slightly withdrawn to allow the outer-most flared dilator sheath 260 to compress and extract the valve. This multi-staged process allows the expandable valves, which have a large expansion force, to be compressed and withdrawn into a catheter. Without addressing such issues, such as is provided by these stages, there is an increased chance that the valve struts will break, the valve will be damaged, or the valve will get stuck and not be compressed, making catheter-based retrieval difficult and potentially unfeasible.

FIG. 21 shows the two outermost catheters of the triple-sheathed retrieval and removal catheter 258 and shows a flared outer dilator sheath 260 with an intermediate beveled catheter 240 disposed within.

FIG. 22 shows the assembled retrieval and removal catheter apparatus 258 and shows support rod 216 extending from the retaining collar 226 across a secondary collar 262 to the gated bore collar 228, traveller strap 222 attached to the retaining collar 226 and sliding gate 230 mounted on the gated-bore collar 228, with the triple-sheathed catheter 258 attached to a distal end of the gated-bore collar 228 and stylet 224 and inner catheter 242 extending through the axis of the entire apparatus. Key slot/Rod aperture 232 and distance markers 246 are shown along with rod screw 236. In operation, the use of multiple stages requires the use of multiple catheter bases, with each engaging the support rod 216 and the retaining collar/inner catheter base 226 and secondary collar/intermediate base 262 operationally attached to the traveller strap for advancing the tethered valve in staged steps.

FIG. 23 shows the triple-sheathed catheter 258 that has been advanced through the body wall access port 154 of the ventricle or cavity of the demonstration model 166. Once the valve or device is under control, the valve or device is expelled from the annulus 170. FIG. 23 shows the tapered tip 256 of the inner catheter engaging the strut bundle 152 of the valve just prior to expelling the deployed valve from the annulus 170 into an atrial location of the demonstration model.

FIG. 24 shows the triple-sheathed removal catheter 258 and shows the valve 168 partially withdrawn in the flared outer dilator sheath 260 after the inner catheter 242 (not seen) has taken control of the strut bundle 152 (not seen) using the tapered tip 256 and the intermediate beveled catheter 240 (not seen) has controllably collapsed and compressed the valve struts 174 (not seen).

FIG. 25 shows the valve 168 being further drawn into the protective flared end of the flared outer dilator sheath 260. FIG. 25 also shows the outer dilator sheath catheter 260 extending across the lumen of the ventricle of the model with the gated-bore collar 228 outside of the body wall access port 154 (proximal side) and the valve being removed from inside an atrial space 172 of the demonstration model 166.

FIG. 26 shows the valve 168 being further drawn into the protective flared end of the flared outer dilator sheath 260. FIG. 26 also shows radio-marker band 266 at the tip of the outer catheter/dilator sheath 260. Sliding gate 230 of dilator base/gated collar 228 is shown ‘outside’ of the cavity and sliding gate 230 is in the open (lumen) position which is used during valve removal.

FIG. 27 shows the valve entirely removed and withdrawn into the outer catheter and out of the simulated body cavity 166. FIG. 27 shows luer 264 on the outer collar 228.

For convenience, the following parts list is provided corresponding to the drawing figures herein to assist in better understanding the inventive subject matter.

RETRIEVAL PARTS

-   -   110 handle     -   112 actuator     -   114 spring     -   116 support rod     -   118 (strap) tensioning jaw     -   120 double-sheathed dilator assembly     -   122 (tensioning) strap     -   124 stylet     -   126 retaining collar/inner catheter base     -   128 gated bore collar/dilator base     -   130 sliding gate     -   132 key slot/guide rod aperture     -   134 tether screw     -   136 rod screw     -   138 dilator (outer) sheath     -   140 inner catheter     -   142 gasket     -   144 strut coupler     -   146 rod distance markers     -   148 capture wire     -   150 tether     -   152 strut bundle     -   154 body wall access port     -   156 tapered tip     -   158 radio band     -   162 collar stabilizer     -   164 collar luer     -   166 demonstration model     -   168 valve     -   170 annulus     -   172 atrial space     -   174 struts     -   210 handle     -   212 actuator     -   214 spring     -   216 support rod     -   218 (strap) tensioning jaw     -   222 (tensioning) strap     -   224 stylet     -   226 retaining collar     -   228 gated bore collar     -   230 sliding gate     -   232 key slot/rod aperture     -   234 tether screw     -   236 rod screw     -   240 intermediate beveled catheter     -   242 inner catheter     -   244 strut coupler     -   246 rod distance markers     -   248 capture wire     -   256 tapered tip     -   258 triple-sheathed dilator assembly     -   260 flared dilator (outer) sheath     -   262 secondary collar     -   264 collar luer     -   266 radio band

The references recited herein are incorporated herein in their entirety, particularly as they relate to teaching the level of ordinary skill in this art and for any disclosure necessary for the commoner understanding of the subject matter of the claimed invention. It will be clear to a person of ordinary skill in the art that the above embodiments may be altered or that insubstantial changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is determined by the scope of the following claims and their equitable Equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device, comprising: a prosthetic valve having an elongate tether coupled thereto, the tether configured to maintain the position of the prosthetic valve when implanted within a heart of a patient; an outer sheath defining a lumen therethrough and having an outer sheath base mounted on a proximal end portion of the outer sheath; an inner catheter slidably disposable at least partially within the lumen of the outer sheath, the inner catheter having a tapered tip at a distal end and an inner catheter base at a proximal end, the tapered tip having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the tapered tip having a smaller diameter than the proximal end of the tapered tip, the distal end of the tapered tip configured to engage an exterior proximal portion of the prosthetic valve when the prosthetic valve is implanted within the heart of the patient, the inner catheter base including a tether lock configured to secure the tether attached to the prosthetic valve to the inner catheter base so that a position of the tether is fixed relative to a position of the inner catheter base; and a handle apparatus having an actuator operatively coupled to the inner catheter, the handle apparatus configured to be actuated to (1) move the inner catheter distally such that the distal end of the tapered tip is moved distally and engages the exterior proximal portion of the prosthetic valve and to secure the tether to the inner catheter base, and (2) when the tether is secured to the inner catheter base, move the inner catheter proximally to pull the prosthetic valve proximally within the heart such that the prosthetic valve can be one of repositioned within the heart and removed from the heart.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein: the handle apparatus includes a guide rod configured to engage the inner catheter base such that when the actuator is actuated, the inner catheter moves relative to the guide rod.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the tapered tip of the inner catheter is one of bullet-shaped, cone-shaped, and hooded to help guide the inner catheter and the tether secured thereto into the lumen of the outer sheath.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the outer sheath has a radiopaque band affixed thereto.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the outer sheath base includes a sheath lock for operatively engaging the outer sheath to open and close access to the lumen of the outer sheath.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the handle apparatus includes a tensioning unit, the device further comprises: a traveler strap attached to the inner catheter base, the traveler strap configured to operatively engage the tensioning unit such that when the actuator is actuated to move the inner catheter proximally, the traveler strap is pulled proximally through the tensioning unit and the inner catheter base is moved proximally towards the handle apparatus.
 7. The device of claim 1, further comprising: an intermediate catheter having a beveled distal end portion, the intermediate catheter disposable within the lumen of the outer sheath, the intermediate catheter defining a lumen therethrough; the inner catheter being movably disposable within the lumen of the intermediate catheter, when the tether is secured to the inner catheter base and the handle apparatus is actuated to move the inner catheter proximally within the heart, at least a portion of the prosthetic valve is pulled proximally within the lumen of the intermediate catheter such that the prosthetic valve can be one of repositioned within the heart and removed from the heart.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein when the actuator is actuated to move the inner catheter proximally pulling at least a portion of the prosthetic valve proximally within the lumen of the intermediate catheter, the distal end portion of the intermediate catheter is pulled proximally through a distal opening of the outer sheath and within the lumen of the outer sheath.
 9. The device of claim 7, wherein the outer sheath includes a flared distal end portion to aid in pulling the intermediate catheter through the distal opening of the outer sheath and into the lumen of the outer sheath.
 10. The device of claim 7, wherein: the handle apparatus includes a guide rod configured to engage the inner catheter base such that when the actuator is actuated, the inner catheter moves relative to the guide rod.
 11. The device of claim 7, wherein the tapered tip is one of bullet-shaped, cone-shaped, and hooded to help guide the inner catheter and the tether secured thereto into the lumen of the outer sheath.
 12. The device of claim 7, wherein the outer sheath has a radio band affixed thereto.
 13. The device of claim 7, wherein the outer sheath base includes a sheath lock for operatively engaging the outer sheath to open and close access to the lumen of the outer sheath.
 14. The device of claim 7, wherein the handle apparatus includes a tensioning unit, the device further comprises: a traveler strap attached to the inner catheter base, the traveler strap configured to operatively engage the tensioning unit such that when the actuator is actuated to move the inner catheter proximally, the traveler strap is pulled proximally through the tensioning unit and the inner catheter base is moved proximally towards the handle apparatus.
 15. The device of claim 1, wherein the tether is permanently attached to the prosthetic valve.
 16. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a capturing device movably disposed within a lumen of the inner catheter and configured to extend distally out of the lumen of the inner catheter to capture the tether attached to the prosthetic valve.
 17. The device of claim 1, wherein the inner catheter defines a lumen and a distal opening in communication with the lumen configured to engage at least a portion of the prosthetic valve, the handle apparatus configured to be actuated to move the inner catheter proximally to pull the prosthetic valve proximally such that at least a portion of the prosthetic valve is pulled into the distal opening of the inner catheter. 